GREENEVILLE – Completing an income tax return might be one of the least favorite tasks for community members, but Tusculum University is ready to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Brynn Stokes, left, prepares an income tax return at the Meen Center in 2025.
Tusculum will again offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for eligible community members. Students and community volunteers will prepare free income tax returns in February, March and April three days a week at locations in Johnson City, Jonesborough and Greeneville. The days and locations are:
- Mondays: 5-9 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City
- Thursdays: 5-9 p.m., Rooms 101 and 105 of the Meen Center on Tusculum’s campus
- Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Washington County Public Library, 200 E. Sabine Drive, Jonesborough
“Easing people minds and helping them navigate the income tax regulations delights us and reinforces the importance we place on engaging with the community,” said Dr. Harold Branstrator, an IRS enrolled agent and associate professor of management at Tusculum, who oversees the VITA program. “Our friendly and helpful students and volunteers are well-trained and ready to prepare a tax return that will meet the needs of community members. We are happy to help and encourage people to use this service.”
This is the 10th year in which Tusculum has participated in VITA. In each of the last two years, the university has prepared more than 1,000 income tax returns. Dr. Branstrator said his team of preparers is excited to meet or exceed that number again. He trains the students and community volunteers, all of whom are then certified by the IRS.
Those who meet one or more of the following criteria qualify for free tax return preparation services and transmission:
- People who generally earn $70,000 or less a year
- Anyone older than 65
- People with disabilities
- Limited-English-speaking taxpayers
Amiranee Au prepares an income tax return in Jonesborough.
Terrick Ponds, right, prepares an income tax return in Johnson City.
Tusculum schedules appointments in one-hour increments, but more time is available for clients who need extra assistance. The university can accommodate as many as 12 clients for each time slot at Westminster and the Meen Center and eight clients for each time period at the library. Walk-ins are welcome, but they might need to wait for an opening.
Clients should bring their W-2 and 1099 forms, dividend and interest statements, tax documents related to their small business or rental property and any other items required for a complete filing.
There are a couple of new developments for this year that Dr. Branstrator wants to share.
- Older residents who qualify for social security should bring with them documentation of any nontaxable income. They might be eligible for a $6,000 deduction from their social security income.
- The earned income and child tax credits have increased.
- There is no tax on tips or overtime. If the amount of that income is not clearly identified on a person’s W-2, they should provide documentation for that beyond pay stubs.
To schedule an appointment, individuals can visit https://bit.ly/4qNC0zO. They can also call 423-951-3643, 423-951-3662 or 423-951-3607 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dr. Harold Branstrator assists with an income tax return preparation.
Community members who would like to prepare income tax returns can email Dr. Branstrator at hbranstrator@tusculum.edu. To be eligible, they must attend training sessions Saturday, Jan. 24; Saturday, Jan. 31; and Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“We welcome the opportunity to serve the community with this outstanding program,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Our VITA program is run professionally and achieves excellent results. Dr. Branstrator sets high expectations for our students and community volunteers, and they meet them with great customer service. I am thrilled our students have such a meaningful hands-on learning experience that prepares them exceptionally for their careers. We are also grateful for our community volunteers, who help this program run at such a high level.”
Additional information about VITA is available at https://web.tusculum.edu/vita/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.